The USS Abraham Lincoln reached Thailand on Wednesday, making its first full port stop 286 days after the deployment began. The carrier is carrying roughly 5,000 service members.
The carrier docked at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand. The Lincoln left San Diego last November for the Pacific before the war with Iran changed the course of its deployment.
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The carrier was later sent to the Middle East to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran. The USS George Washington relieved the Lincoln there in August, allowing it to begin the trip home.
Extended deployment draws scrutiny
Months without a full port visit also brought increasing attention to life aboard the ship. Published reports have documented shortages of food and hygiene products, along with concerns about the mental health of crew members during the extended deployment.
The Navy says sailors have access to support during extended deployments.
In a statement to Straight Arrow, a Navy official said the service organizes carrier strike groups’ maintenance, training and deployments within a standard 36-month rotation.
The official said the Navy is “fully committed to the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being” of sailors and provides support before, during and after deployments.
The Lincoln’s stop in Thailand is scheduled to last four days before the carrier continues its journey home to San Diego.
Pattaya prepares for thousands of visitors
Many of the service members are expected to spend part of the break in Pattaya, about 40 minutes from the port.
Local officials estimate the visit could bring roughly $3 million into the tourism-dependent city’s economy.
Thai authorities have also stepped up security while the carrier group is in the area, including increased police patrols and road checks around Pattaya.
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